If you’re looking for ideas on how to describe killing someone in a story, this post will help you with your writing. Read on to learn about 10 words you can use to describe a character being killed.
1. Gruesome
Definition
Something extremely shocking and unpleasant.
Examples
“The serial killer found the experience absolutely gruesome, but his compulsions made him take the man’s life.”
“Shannon thought the killing was gruesome, and she had nightmares about the dead man’s face for weeks after.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show how horrible and disgusting the killing is, “gruesome” is the perfect adjective. This shows that the kill was quite gory and involved lots of blood or even torture methods. Characters who are more sensitive are likely to find a killing “gruesome,” while character’s who are used to blood and guts might not blink an eye.
2. Frenzied
Definition
Actions and behaviors that are uncontrollable, wild, and excitable.
Examples
“The man killed the two guards in such a frenzy that he didn’t realize that they were really dead for five minutes after.”
“The serial killer always killed his victims in frenzied attacks. They stood no chance against his wild behavior.”
How it Adds Description
“Frenzied” shows that the character who has killed someone did it in an uncontrollable or shocking way. If someone is in a “frenzy” while they kill, they might be so wild and excited that they’re not thinking straight or acting like they usually would. This might lead to them regretting the kill once they’ve calmed down, as it was not their usual behavior.
3. Distressing
Definition
Something that leaves you worried or upset.
Examples
“Though Bob found killing distressing, he knew he had to do it to appease the Gods.”
“Anna was distressed from the start to the end of the kill. She wished she could scrub the experience from her memory.”
How it Adds Description
“Distressing” is a great adjective to show that your character doesn’t enjoy killing, and this shows that they’re doing it despite their uncomfortable emotions. This might make other characters feel bad for them, and they might fall into a deep depression afterward due to the horror of their actions.
4. Peaceful
Definition
Actions of situations that happen without chaos or violence.
Examples
“Emmie wanted her friend’s death to be serene. So she chose the most peaceful method possible to put her out of her misery.”
“The young man tried to be as peaceful as possible with his murders, but it simply wasn’t possible when they put up a fight.”
How it Adds Description
Not all deaths are frenzied or violent, and you can show your character is compassionate or calm during their kills with the word “peaceful.” “Peaceful” kills occur without force or fighting and often describe situations where a character is helping an injured or ill person pass to end their suffering. A character who “peacefully” kills someone will still likely feel guilty, even if it’s what the other character wanted.
5. Joyless
Definition
Something that doesn’t include any pleasure or happiness.
Examples
“The entire evening was joyless, including the ritual sacrifice that the crowd usually loved.”
“The murderer usually delighted in his kills, but this evening’s murder was utterly joyless.”
How it Adds Description
You can use “joyless” to show that the killer didn’t take any pleasure from the situation. This might contrast with their usual disposition while killing, as many killers take other people’s lives because they enjoy it or find it satisfying.
6. Twisted
Definition
Someone or something that’s strange in a negative way.
Examples
“The murder was twisted, just like the person who committed it.”
“Jane couldn’t get over the twisted murder she’d accidentally witnessed. Who should she tell first, the police or her counselor?”
How it Adds Description
If a murder or kill was “twisted,” it means that it’s different from the usual murder in a worse way. For example, killers who torture their victims kill in a “twisted” way. This implies that the character who killed someone is very evil or unable to feel empathy for others. If someone dies in a “twisted” way, friends and family might try to get revenge for their loved one.
7. Quick
Definition
An event that moves with great speed.
Examples
“To Alice, the kill only took five seconds. It was the quickest experience of her life.”
“To ensure no one saw him, Alex killed the robber extremely quickly.”
How it Adds Description
“Quick” can be used to show that a character killed their victim very fast or in a short space of time. This could be due to stress, as under pressure they might react faster than normal. However, it could also demonstrate their skill at killing, as they’re able to do it faster than the average person.
8. Satisfying
Definition
Something that makes you feel content because you’ve achieved something.
Examples
“The assassin quickly took his target out. Though death was sad, he found his kills extremely satisfying.”
“Robert took the opportunity to get revenge on the man who killed his father. Killing the man was the most satisfying moment of his life.”
How it Adds Description
“Satisfying” shows that a character feels like they’ve achieved something through the kill. This might be because they’re getting revenge, completing a job, or perhaps they simply enjoy taking a life. This might make them a darker character than others in the story.
9. Violent
Definition
A death that is unexpected and very painful.
Examples
“The governess fought the intruder until he could no longer stand, and then she made sure he was dead. His end was violent, but she believed he deserved it.”
“As an assassin, Mark tried to avoid violent killings. But they did happen every now and then.”
How it Adds Description
The word “violent” shows that the death or murder was very painful and likely extreme. This might occur because the killer character is very aggressive or powerful, but it can also be an unfortunate accident.
10. Exhilarating
Definition
An experience that makes you feel excited or happy.
Examples
“Lara was ashamed to admit it, but killing the woman in cold blood was exhilarating.”
“Kevin found murder exhilarating. He loved watching the life leave his victim’s eyes.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show how much your character enjoys killing people, describe the kills as “exhilarating.” This shows that they get a rush from taking lives, and it will explain why they go out of their way to bring violence and pain to other characters.